Clasp for articles of jewelry and the like



July 23, 135. o. c. WOODWARD 2,@@9,244

CLASP FOR ARTICLES ,OF JEWELRY AND THE LIKE Filed Sept. 25, 1955 z V a @Wazzihzv Patented July 23, 1935 UNITED TAT S" PATENT OFFICE A;

CLASP FOR narrows OF JEW LRY AND THE IKE swin C. Woodward, Plainville, Mass., assignor to Harold ,E. Sweet, Attleboro, Mass., doing iii ikisiness asR. F. Simmons Company, Attleboro, I

ass.

Appiica'tionSepternber 23, 1933, Serial No. 690,662

GClaims. (01. 24-430) This invention relates to an improved clasp for Fig. is a bottom plan view of the clasp; connecting the ends of cords, straps, linkages and Fig. 6 is an end view of this form of the device; other flexible bands used in .watch bracelets, Fig. 7 is'a transverse sectional view of the same lavalieres, necklaces and like articles of utility taken on line 'l-'l of Fig. l;

5 or adornment.

One object of the invention is to provide a fled formof construction of the inner clamping compact ornamental clasphaving means for se member of the clasp; curely holding the ends of silk cords, leather or Fig. 9 is a similar sectional view'showing' a mesh straps, linked chains and other flexible modified form of construction of both parts -of the 10 bands. f clasp; Another object of the invention is to provide a Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the outer enclos clasp of the type indicated which comprises only ing member of the clasp shown as being partially two simple parts designedfor economical manu-. formedbefore assembling it with the inner mem-' facture from sheet-metal'stampings" and adapted her and illustrating a modification in' its form offor assembling without the use of pins, rivets, construction; 1

screws or the like. I Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the innerclamp Another object-of theinvention is to provide a ing member of the clasp;- g clasp of'the type indicated having clamping orv Fig. l2'is a longitudinal sectional view-similar gripping means for the'cords,strapsorlink'ages to Fig. 4 showing the present improved clasp Fig. 8 is a similar sectional view showing a modi '5- which are automatically rendered operative" by adapted'for use with a fabric or leather strap or 20' simply assembling'the two parts of thedevice one band; Y

with the other; 1 Y 1 Fig. 13 is a similar longitudinal sectional View Another object of the invention is toprovide a showing an adaptation of the strap for useinf clasp of the type indicatedwherein thelclamping connecting the end of a chain orlinkage.

or gripping action for holding the ends'of the Fig. 14 is a perspective View showing the clasp 25 cords, straps or linkages is effected by sliding one adapted for use with a mesh bracelet or the like; part within the other whereby to render its and manual-operation more readily and expeditiously Fig. 15 is a perspective View showing a modifiaccomplished. cation in the form of construction of the clamp- 0' Another object of the invention is to provide a ing 'member. I g clasp of the type indicated which may be-co-n In accordance with a prevailing mode, wristveniently operated to release the ends of the'cord, watch bracelets, lavalieres, necklaces and other; strap, linkage 'or'other band when it is required, articles of utility and adornment are constituted torenew the latter or to adjust them in length.- by silk, leather or other ornamental cords emforth in the following specification which dethere is represented a watch bracelet embodying scribes several preferred forms of the construction silk'cords C doubled on themselves to form loops of the clasp, byvway'of example, as illustrated in at the ends for fastening "them'to the connectors the accompanying drawing. In the drawing: 2 which clasp around the bails'of the wrist-watch.

Further objects of the improv'einent'are set bodied in their make-up. For example, in Fig; l

Fig.1 is a view'of a conventional type of cord This type of ornamental cord bracelet isusually bracelet for wrist-watches showing the present p v ed With avcenfiral for Connecting improved claspas applied. to use therewith for and disconnecting the en 0f the ODPQ G 0 rd attaching. the ends of the cords to a central conlengths in placing the bracelet on and removing nector; it from the wrist. As herein illustrated, the

Fig. 2.is an enlarged side view of the two parts means for joi the e d of the cords at the of the clasp shown in extended relationship with center of the bracelet'may Q prise'a'connector a portion of the outer enclosing memberbroken 4 having hinged Darts p d t0 ag h ough away; v opposite links 5 to'couple them together. The Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the links 5 or other parts of the connector are joined" s me taken through the outer clasp member and to the cords C by means of the present improved showing the inner gripping member as released Clasp as hOWI detail in the n fi v ews to be withdrawn therefrom;- l V of the drawing. I v Fig. 4 is a similar sectional View showing the The present improved clasp comprises, in gen-- inner member of the clasp enclosed and. locked era], a hollow or tubular-box-like outer member" within the outer member; v 8 having a hook or loop 9 at one end for coupling- 5 it to one of the links 5 or in any other part of the bracelet or the like; and a clamping member I0 which is slidable within the outer member 8 for clasping engagement therewith. The outer member 8 may be made from tubular stock of rectangular or other suitable cross-section; or it may be stamped out and formed from sheetmetal with a top II, depending sides I2 and inturned flanges I3 at the bottom between which is an opening.

At one end of the member 8 the bottom flanges I3 are extended beyond the ends of the sides I2 and bent upwardly at right-angles to form detent-fingers or abutments I5, see Figs. 2, 3 and 10. Above the detent-fingers I5 and sides I2 of the member 8 are formed with projections or lugs I6 which are bent inwardly across the open end of the member 8, as shown in Fig. 6 of the drawing, to adapt them to serve as stops for a purpose as later explained.

The inner member I 0 is constructed in the form of a U-shaped clamp having opposite arms or jaws I8 and I9 between which the end of the cord, strap, band or linkage is held; the clamping member being arranged to telescope or slide within the member 8 in a manner as hereinafter more fully explained. The member III may be formed from a strip of sheet-metal bent into a loop 20 extended in the two arms I8 and I9, one or both of which may be provided with teeth or prongs. In most cases, especially where the clasp is intended for use with cords C such as shown inFigs. 2 and 3, only the end of the upper jaw I8 is provided with teeth. In this form of construction the end of the upper jaw I8 is bent downwardly 'at 2I and the bent portion notched or serrated. For use with double cords such as shown in Fig. l the bent end 2I of the jaw is formed with two V-shaped openings, the inclined edges of which are adapted to lie across and bite into the material of the cords C. In some cases, for example to adapt the clasp for use with relatively hard cords such as leather or the like, the lower jaw I9 may be provided with upstanding teeth or prongs 22 sheared from the metal and bent to the form shown in Fig. 11.

The lower jaw I9 of the member In is extended in a narrowed lip or ear 23, thereby forming shoulders 24 at its opposite sides for engagement with the detent-fingers I5 on the under flanges I3 of the enclosing member 8 of the clasp. The lip or ear 23 is preferably bent or curved downwardly, as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4 to provide a grip for the fingernail whereby the lower jaw I9 may be lifted or sprung upwardly to release the shoulders 24 from the detent-fing'ers I5 when it is desired to withdraw the inner member ID from the enclosing member 8. Extending longitudinally of the sides of the lower arm or jaw I9 of the member I0 are flanges 25 formed by portions of the stock bent upwardly at rightangles to the plane of the arm. The flanges 25 serve to maintain the cords C or the strap or band centralized on the lower jaw I9 of the clamping member I0. I

' The two parts of the clasp are assembled for permanent connection by sliding the inner clamping member I0 within the sides of the enclosing member 8. After the looped end 20 of the slidable member III has been entered into the open end of the closing member 8 the ears or lugs I6 are bent inwardly from the sides I2 thereof as shown in Figs. 2 and 6 of the drawing whereby they will be caused to engage through the loop 20 to prevent complete withdrawal of the member I0. As the member I0 is slid clear into the enclosing member 8 to the position shown in Fig. 4, the two arms I8 and I9 will be compressed or forced together to cause the toothed end of the upper arm I8 to bite into the material of the cords C to clamp the latter securely against the lower jaw. When teeth or prongs 22 are provided on the lower jaw I9, as shown in Fig. 11, these also bite into the material to assist in gripping the cords or band held between the jaws.

As the clamping member I 0 slides into the out er enclosing member 8 its lower arm I9 rides across the top of the upwardly projecting detentfingers I5 to finally seat itself against the underlying fianges I3 with the shoulders 24 at the ends of the jaw engaging behind the fingers as shown most clearly in Fig. 5. With the parts in this relationship the clamping member I0 is locked in closed position with its jaws I8 and I9 maintain clamped against the cords C to securely hold them in place in the clasp.

When it is desired to release the cords, as for example for the purpose of renewing them or for shortening them to adjust the length of the bracelet or the like, then the slidable clamping member III may be withdrawn from the enclosing member 8 by pressing against the curved lip or ear 23 to spring the lower jaw I9 upwardly whereby to release its shoulders from the detentfingers I5 as indicated in Fig. 3 of the drawing. After the detents have been released in this manner the member I0 may be slid outwardly until the loop 20 at its end engages the inturned lugs I6 on the sides of the member 8 as shown in Fig. 2. The clamping member I 0 will thus be held against disconnection from its enclosing member 8 but with its arms I8 and I9 free to spring open as shown in Fig. 2 to releas'e'the cords C.

Fig. 8 illustrates a modification in the form of construction of the clamping member or slide III. In this embodiment of the invention the lower arm or jaw I9 is offset or recessed along its lateral edges at 26 to provide an embossed or crowned central section 21 which seats within the space between the edges of the bottom flanges I3 on the box member 8. This modification in the structure of the inner member I 0 provides a smooth, flush finish on the under side of the clasp.

In Fig. 9 a further modified form of construction of the clasp is illustrated wherein both the outer box member 30 and inn-er slidable clamping member 3| are struck up or embossed to a contour conforming to that of the double cord C, C.

Fig. 10 shows still another modified form of construction of the clasp wherein the outer enclosing member 8 is of tubular form with a closed bottom at 32. With this form of construction the clamping member or slide I0 may be shaped similarly to that previously described, as shown in Fig. 11, being adapted to be completely housed in the member 8 to avoid joints or seams on the under side thereof.

In Fig. 12 the clasp is shown as adapted for use with a leather or fabric strap or band. In this form of construction the enclosing member 8 is of less depth or thickness and the clamping member ID is also narrowed.

Fig. 13 illustrates a similar form of construction of the clasp having its inner clamping member ll adapted for gripping the end link of a chain or bracelet. In this embodiment of the invention the end of the upper jaw l8 of the inner clamping member I8 is formed with a hooked projection 33 which is adapted for insertion through the opening in the link 34 to engage around the end crossbar thereof.

Fig. 14 illustrates the improved clasp as adapted for use with mesh bracelets or bands in which case the upper jaw I9 is provided at its end with serrations forming fine teeth for gripping the metal mesh of the band 35.

Fig. 15 illustrates a modified form of construction of the inner clamping member 36 which is shown as having its upper and lower jaws made separate and pivoted together at one end by means of a hinged joint 31 connected by a pin or pintle 38.

The present improved clasp may be furnished as a fitting o-r connector for various types of articles embodying looped cords, leather straps, mesh bands and chains or linkages of other types. The two telescoping members of the clasp are assembled in connected relationship in the manner as explained to prevent their separation and loss of either of the parts. With the members assembled and the slide l withdrawn from the member 8 the end of the double cord or other strap or band is slipped into place between the two arms or jaws l8 and I9. The two jaws may then be pinched together in the fingers to impinge the toothed end or ends thereof against the material of the cord or band while the member I0 is slid into the enclosing member 8. The act of sliding the member [0 within the member 8 causes the arms to be automatically forced toward each other as shown in Fig. 3 to clamp their ends firmly against the material inserted therebetween and after the slide ID has reached a position completely enclosed within the member 8 the lower jaw 19 will snap into place with its shoulders 24 engaged with the detent-fingers [5 as shown in Fig. 5 of the drawing. The telescoping action of the parts of the clasp thus has the effect to securely bind the clamping jaws against the cord, strap or other band or linkage to grip and securely hold it in the clasp without danger of accidental release thereof.

After the slide I!) has been assembled in telescopic relationship with the outer member 8 the clamping member is entirely concealed from view so that the raw ends of the cord, strap or other band are hidden and the clasp is entirely devoid of any obtrusive mechanical appearance. That is to say, all the mechanical parts are enclosed and concealed from view within the outer member which may be shaped to ornamental contour as indicated in the drawing and, when desired, embellished with designs or other ornamentation.

Thus the present improved clasp has a very neat and finished appearance besides being very compact in size. Moreover, the complete device is extremely simple in construction as embodying only two elements which'may be formed from sheet-metal and assembled without the use of pins, rivets, screws or other extraneous parts.

As a further feature of improvement the improved clasp is proof against damage or breakage to render it durable in use over long periods and it has practically a universal application to various uses in the jewelry and kindred arts.

While the improved clasp is herein shown as embodied in a preferred form of construction with several modifications illustrated, it is to be understood that further changes may be made in the form and arrangement of its parts without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, without limiting myself in this respect, I claim:

1. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a hollow member, and a member slidable within the hollow member and provided with opposed jaws adapted to be contracted by the relative sliding movement of said members to grip a cord, strap, band or linkage therebetween,

one of said jaws having widely-spaced teeth adapted to straddle a plurality of cords and the other jaw having relatively fine sharp teeth adapted to pierce the cords and bind them between the teeth on the opposite jaw.

2. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of an outer enclosing member, a member slidable within the enclosing member and provided with toothed jaws for gripping the end of a cord, strap, band orlinkage, detent means for maintaining said slidable member telescoped Within the enclosing member, and projections at the end of the enclosing member bent inwardly from its sides toform stops for preventing the complete withdrawal of the slidable member from within the enclosing member.

3. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of an outer enclosing member, a clamping member formed with a looped end with arms projecting therefrom and provided with means for gripping a cord, strap, band, linkage or the like therebetween, projections on the outermember engaging the loop of the clamping member to prevent the latter from being completely withdrawn from the outer member, and detent-means engageable with one of the arms of said clamping member to maintain the latter enclosed within the outer member.

4. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a tubular member adapted for attachment to a chain or linkage and formed with lugs at one'end projecting inwardly from .its sides, and a looped clamping member slidable within the tubular member and held from withdrawal by the lugs at the sides of the latter engaging its loop, said clamping member formed with opposed jaws adapted to grip the end of a cord, strap, band or linkage when said clamping member is telescoped within the tubular member.

5. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a tubular member having an integral loop at one end for coupling it to a bracelet connector, lugs at its opposite end bent inwardly from its sides, and a looped member slidable within the tubular member and held from withdrawal therefrom by the lugs on the sides thereof engaging its loop, said looped member having jaws at its outer end for gripping a strap, cord or the like.

6. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a tubular member having means at one end for coupling it to a bracelet connector with its opposite end formed with lugs projecting inwardly from itssides andfingers bent up from its bottom portion, and a loop-like clamping member slidable within the tubular member and provided with jaws at its end for gripping a cord, strap or the like, the loop at one end of said clamping member being engaged by the lugs at the sides of the tubular member to pre vent separation of the parts and one jaw of the looped member being adapted to snap in back of the fingers at the bottom of the tubular member to hold the looped member telescoped within the tubular member. 

